Alignment mat

Abstract

According to an aspect, there is provided a workout mat for user alignment and systems to provide alignment feedback using same. The mat includes a top surface that displays an alignment indication including a first set of indications defining alignment regions wherein the indications are proportional oblong shapes in a series of descending size wherein the largest oblong is proximate a medial portion of the mat and the smallest oblong is proximate a lateral portion of the mat, a second set of indications mirroring the first set of indications defining alignment regions, and a medial length oriented region defined in the medial space between the first set of indications and the second set of indications.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A workout mat for user alignment comprising:
 a mat having a top surface, a bottom surface, a length, a width, and a depth; and   wherein the mat top surface displays an alignment indication comprising:   a first set of indications defining alignment regions wherein the indications are proportional oblong shapes in a series of descending size wherein the largest oblong is proximate a medial portion of the mat and the smallest oblong is proximate a lateral portion of the mat;   a second set of indications defining alignment regions wherein the indications are proportional oblong shapes in a series of descending size wherein the largest oblong is proximate the medial portion of the mat and the smallest oblong is proximate a lateral portion of the mat; and   wherein the first set of indications mirrors the second set of indications and a medial length oriented region is defined in the medial space between the first set of indications and the second set of indications.   
     
     
         2 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the oblong shapes of the first set of indications and the second set of indications each comprise one lengthwise side and two opposing widthwise sides. 
     
     
         3 . The workout mat of  claim 2 , wherein the lengthwise side is parallel to the lengthwise edge of the mat. 
     
     
         4 . The workout mat of  claim 2 , wherein the two opposing widthwise sides define an obtuse angle therebetween. 
     
     
         5 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the oblong shapes of the first set of indications and the second set of indications have rounded corners. 
     
     
         6 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second set of indications defining alignment regions comprise a set of boundary lines. 
     
     
         7 . The workout mat of  claim 6 , wherein the set of boundary lines are of variable weight. 
     
     
         8 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the first and the second set of indications defining alignment regions comprise at least one of a variation in color, luminosity, pattern, texture, raised surface, indented surface, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The workout mat of  claim 8 , wherein the regions are defined by a difference in gradient color and/or luminance wherein the difference comprises a lighter gradient color and/or luminance proximate the medial portion and a darker gradient color and/or luminance proximate a lateral portion. 
     
     
         10 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of alignment region is omitted from the first or second set of indications. 
     
     
         11 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of alignment regions and the second set of alignment regions each contain 4-10 oblong shapes. 
     
     
         12 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of alignment regions and the second set of alignment regions each contain 5-9 oblong shapes. 
     
     
         13 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein an imaging device is directed at the mat top surface alignment indication and user position in relationship to the mat top surface alignment indication, and
 wherein the imaging device is configured to recognize the first set of indications and second set of indications.   
     
     
         14 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , further configured to, in conjunction with alignment indications and/or alignment regions, determine user position. 
     
     
         15 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller integrated into the mat, a connector, associated with the controller for transmitting data, at least one of an input sensor and an output indicator associated with one or more alignment region, indication defining an alignment region,
 wherein at least one sensor input element is associated with at least one of the alignment regions,   wherein at least one output indicator assists a user in alignment and positioning, and   wherein the output indicator comprises at least one of an audio output, a visual output, a tactile output, a thermal output.   
     
     
         16 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the depth of the mat is formed by a set of layers of more than one type of material, and wherein a first layer is configured to grip floor surfaces, a second layer is configured for cushioning or stability, and a third layer for one or more of moisture wicking, gripping, and texturing. 
     
     
         17 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the mat is fabricated from one or more of polyurethane, polyvinyl butyral, rubber, latex, polyester and nylon or any suitable natural or synthetic thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         18 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , each indication of the first and second sets of indications are spaced equally apart. 
     
     
         19 . The workout mat of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment indication is formed by one or more screen printing, digital printing, sublimation printing, laser printing, UV printing, engraving, embossing, addition of a raised surface element, cut outs that reveal another surface, additional surfaces applied with an adhesive or heat bonding.